USA prepares to celebrate 50th anniversary in 2013

MOBILE, Alabama -- The University of South Alabama is hoping to get 50,000 gifts for its 50th anniversary next spring. The 15,009-student school launched its 50th anniversary annual fund campaign Thursday.

The university is attempting to broaden its base of support by involving alumni, parents of students, and businesses.

Before the campaign even went public, the goal was to have 50 alumni contribute $1,000 each, according to Joe Busta, USA’s vice president for development and alumni relations. Busta said the university’s alumni went beyond the goal, as 70 alumni have already pledged their support.

“The initial response we have received to this campaign from our alumni demonstrates their desire to strengthen the university in every way,” said Busta.

“We are asking the alumni to come back and give back to the university,” said Alexis Atkins, a USA alum who is co-chairman of the 50th anniversary annual fund campaign.

Former and current USA trustees and students attended a luncheon on campus at the Mitchell Center in a show of support for the campaign.

“We are the future alumni and we should be involved in this,” said Colin Al-Greene, USA’s Student Government Association president.

Jim Yance, chairman of USA’s board of trustees, said the money raised “will mean a great deal,” especially during a time of rising tuition. <EP>UA President Gordon Moulton said that alumni involvement is what makes a university “a household word.”

“I can think of no better way to commemorate the university’s contributions than a collective investment in the future of our students,” he said.